On View

Greek

Eight-drachma coin (octodrachm)

This coin is unusual not only because it is gold, but also because it portrays a woman, Arsinoe II, who ruled Egypt alongside her husband Ptolemy II. Although her reign was short, she was an exceedingly popular ruler, and was deified by her people almost immediately upon her death. She is shown here wearing a diadem and veil, both symbols of ancient religion. To the left of her head are the horns of Zeus Ammon, the Libyan god Alexander claimed as a father. Arsinoe’s depiction with such important religious symbols attests to the power she held in her community.